Benu, located in San Francisco’s SoMa district, has for over a decade remained one of the most acclaimed fine dining destinations in the United States. Under the leadership of chef Corey Lee, the restaurant has held three Michelin stars continuously, a status that cements it among the global elite. Lee, who trained at institutions such as The French Laundry before striking out on his own, has created a restaurant that seamlessly integrates Korean, Cantonese, and broader East Asian flavors into the framework of French technique. The result is a tasting menu of extraordinary depth, precision, and artistry, recognized internationally as one of the most avant-garde expressions of contemporary Asian cuisine in America.
Highlights & Signature Dishes
At Benu, every meal begins with an extraordinary set of small bites, executed with the technical precision of European haute cuisine but imbued with distinctly Asian nuances. These opening morsels introduce a rhythm of creativity and craft that sets the stage for the courses ahead, putting Benu’s start on par with the most ambitious tasting menus in the world.
Among the signature dishes that diners most anticipate are:
- Faux-shark’s fin soup with xiao long bao—a reinterpretation that replaces the unethical traditional ingredient with layered, luxurious flavors, served alongside a house-made dumpling.
- Lobster coral xiao long bao—an extravagant take on the soup dumpling form, enriched by the deep umami of lobster coral.
- Barbecued quail with XO sauce—meticulously grilled quail paired with Lee’s house-made XO sauce, a Cantonese condiment that here becomes a core expression of the restaurant’s East-meets-West approach.
- Preserved persimmon-braised meats—an example of the chef’s ability to bridge California produce with traditional Asian preparations.
- Creative proteins inspired by Korean barbecue traditions, elevated with modern plating and refinement.
- Seafood courses incorporating elements like geoduck, truffles, and century egg, transformed through subtle aromatics, pristine vegetables, and the balance of kimchi-inspired flavors.
Desserts at Benu further articulate the balance of tradition and originality. Pastries often reframe familiar Asian ingredients in new forms, including white chocolate-almond yuba (a layered preparation with textural play) and seasonal fruit finales that close the tasting with delicacy rather than heaviness.
Experience, Service, & Setting
The dining room at Benu contrasts with the complexity of the menu by adhering to minimalism. The space is tranquil, understated, and expansive, with subtle Japanese-inspired influences. Tables have ample distance between them, creating privacy and quietude unusual for fine dining in a bustling city like San Francisco. This serenity brings focus directly onto the food and service.
Service is renowned for its exacting standards—professional but unpretentious, gracious but detail-oriented. Staff guide guests seamlessly through the tasting journey, explaining components with clarity. The warm consistency of hospitality is part of what sets Benu apart from its peers; every touchpoint reinforces the restaurant’s reputation for refinement and ease.
Beverages & Pairings
Beverage offerings are carefully curated to match the complexity and balance of the menu. Guests can opt for wine pairings, which highlight both Old and New World selections, or choose from a robust list of wines available by the bottle or glass. Unique to Benu is the inclusion of sake and specialty beers as thoughtful complements to certain courses, providing diners with pairings that harmonize even more directly with Asian flavors.
Practical Information
- Address: 22 Hawthorne St, San Francisco, CA 94105
- Operating hours: Tuesday–Thursday 5:30–7:30 pm; Friday–Saturday 5:30–8:30 pm; Sunday–Monday closed.
- Price: (tasting menu ~ $350+ per person).
- Atmosphere: Cozy, romantic, trendy, upscale
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible for entrance, seating, restroom, and parking lot.
- Parking: Valet
- Payments: Credit card, debit, NFC accepted
- Reservations: Required.
Private dining options are available, ideal for gatherings, culinary travel visits, or special romantic occasions. Guests from around the world seek out Benu for milestone experiences, and the restaurant’s layout and cadence add to the sense of exclusivity.
Accolades & Legacy
Since its inception, Benu has been defined by accolades and global recognition. The restaurant has been awarded three Michelin stars for ten consecutive years, a distinction marking it as one of only a handful in the nation to maintain the highest Michelin tier for such longevity. In 2019, it entered The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, further affirming its status among the most elite dining rooms internationally.
Corey Lee himself has become a visionary in contemporary cuisine. His background as chef de cuisine at The French Laundry and subsequent independent ventures—including Benu, In Situ, and Monsieur Benjamin—have reshaped fine dining in the Bay Area. At Benu, his philosophy unites personal heritage and global training, articulating a culinary voice that belongs uniquely to San Francisco and yet resonates throughout the world.
Who Will Love Benu
Benu is an essential experience for culinary travelers, special occasion diners, and seekers of innovation. Those who appreciate meticulous detail, avant-garde presentations, and the blending of Asian sophistication with European craft will find few restaurants anywhere that equal its scope and execution. For locals, it remains a benchmark of excellence; for travelers, it is a destination in itself.
At Benu, every course is a meditation on precision, history, and imagination—an experience that simultaneously respects heritage and redefines the cutting edge of fine dining. For those assembling a bucket list of global restaurants, Benu rightfully claims a place near the very top.
For Information, please visit Benu